Lifesaving CPR Training Kiosk at Focus On Renewal in McKees Rocks
PITTSBURGH, June 16, 2025 — Summer fun is in full swing, but safety comes first. June marks CPR and AED Awareness month, a timely reminder that knowing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can save lives. Research shows that 7 in 10 people feel helpless when witnessing a cardiac emergency. As a result, less than half of those who need CPR receive it from bystanders before professional help arrives. Giving CPR immediately can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
To address this, the American Heart Association and GBU Life have joined forces to expand access to CPR training. The goal is to empower bystanders to become lifesavers by offering Hands-Only CPR training and educational resources in some of Pittsburgh’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. This initiative aims to close gaps in bystander CPR rates and ultimately, save more lives from sudden cardiac arrest.
With support from GBU Life, this mobile Hands-Only CPR Kiosk will travel to various community sites throughout the region over the next three years, training people in Hands-Only CPR.
“Empowering our community with the skills to act quickly in a cardiac emergency can save lives. That’s why we’re proud to serve as a host site for the American Heart Association’s Hands-Only CPR training kiosk and we appreciate GBU Life for making this important resource possible,” said Kevin Platz, executive director of Focus On Renewal.
Previously, the kiosk was stationed at The Kingsley Association from February through May, where it attracted over 1,700 visitors. During that time, more than 1,100 individuals successfully completed CPR training tests.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the American Heart Association to bring the first-of-its-kind mobile Hands-Only CPR kiosk to Pittsburgh,” said Lesley Mann, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at GBL Life. “This innovative program will empower our community with lifesaving skills, making it easier for people to learn Hands-Only CPR quickly and effectively. By providing this accessible and essential training tool, we are enhancing community health and safety and encouraging everyone to be prepared to save a life.”
More than 350,0000 people experience cardiac arrests outside of a hospital each year in the United States, including 23,000 children. Unfortunately, 90% of the people who have a cardiac event outside of a hospital do not survive. CPR is a critical skill that kids as young as 9 years old can learn.
According to recent studies, Black adults and other historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are less likely to receive bystander CPR. Additionally, women are 22% less likely to receive CPR and survive a cardiac arrest than men due to fear and other factors including a lack of knowledge.
“In order to save more lives, we must increase the number of people who respond to cardiac arrest by calling 911, delivering high-quality CPR and getting and using an AED as soon as it is available, said Matthew Sousa, executive director of the American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh. “We are pleased to have GBU Life and Focus On Renewal join us on this mission to build a nation of lifesavers. We need more companies to commit to making CPR awareness and education a permanent fixture in all communities across our region.”
Hands-Only CPR is chest compression only CPR. Science has shown that following a witnessed cardiac arrest of a teen or an adult, compression-only CPR can be equally effective in the first few minutes of emergency response. If a teen or adult suddenly collapses, witnesses should immediately call emergency services and begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute and a depth of at least two inches.
The Association encourages everyone, regardless of where they live, to take 90 seconds to learn how to save a life now at www.heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR.
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About GBU Financial Life
Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, GBU Financial Life (GBU Life) is a member-owned, fraternal benefit society founded in 1892 to help members secure their futures, build their legacies and impact their communities. Today, GBU Life members still share the same goals–financial protection and giving back to people and causes that matter most to them. As a member-owned company, GBU Life keeps its operating costs low. That translates into competitively priced life insurance, generous annuity rates and stable investment returns members can count on. Day-to-day and long-term, GBU Life’s focus remains squarely on maintaining the exceptional financial health that inspires trust and confidence among its members.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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